I just love successful women who are killing it – whether in fashion, business or beyond.
I had the distinct pleasure of interview Ashley North, who is an award winning singer/songwriter, actress, and print model from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
You might have seen her in Orange is the New Black. Recently, she was honored with the Akademia Award for Best Pop/Soul Single for “Something You Need” – check it out below.
“Something You Need” is taking to Worldwide Market at this time. This year, Ashley’s record label, J Dash Productions, expanded into a full Label and merged with ILS and Universal.
Chatting with this star felt like I was hanging with my long time bestie! Check out our Q&A below!
Natasha: What do you love most about what you do in the industry?
Ashley: That I can create let my soul be free on film, in music and on the runway. It is the only part of my life that I have always been truly free
Natasha: What are your sources of inspiration?
Ashley: My parents John North and Denise Lynch they taught me that I could be anything that I want to be without limitations. My friend Alan Lee who passed on he was the first person that taught me that there were no limitations to my music. Music legend Morty Craft taught to everything about the business end of music industry and is one my best friend and mentors. My most recent inspiration is Marina Kamen she is the first woman that has shown me limitless talent for women in this field. She taught me about self-music and health that made me change my mindset and motivated me.
Natasha: Are there things you wish you knew before entering the industry?
Ashley: People are not always nice and don’t have the best of intentions for you and your career.
Natasha: What are some the biggest challenges you have dealt with the industry?
Ashley: Watching out for the scams in the business. People always doubt my intelligence because of my light kind hearted giving spirit.
Natasha: What is the best advice you have been told?
Ashley: Take every day one day at a time and you can have anything you want if you work hard enough for it!
Natasha: What advice do you have for others interested in the entertainment (i.e., Modeling, Acting, Singing, etc.) industry?
Ashley: Never give up in what you believe in even if everyone around you thinks you are crazy.
Natasha: What are some projects you are currently working on that we should look out for?
Ashley: I am really excited about the new album Full Circle 4 songs produced by Marina Kamen with Kamen Entertainment one song “Something You Need” produced by Producer Chris Young from Real Housewives of NYC. I will be featured in NJFW Fashion Show for Designer Robert Greco at Atelier. I am the face of plus division of Annrkee/Bernie J new line that will be featured in fall fashion week and was featured on CBS 2 “Live it Up” with Donna Drake. I will be working on Season 4 on Orange is The New Black. Lastly, my production company J Dash Productions has risen as full blown record label that has merged with Universal / Film Production/Fashion line our film makers and designers will be announced later in the year.
Natasha: What are three things people don’t know about you?
Ashley: 1) I was named after actresses Elizabeth Ashley and Raquel Welch 2) My father fought Muhammad Ali in 1955 in Louisville KY when he was Cashius Clay 3) The doctor that delivered me when I was born my grandmother was the first baby he delivered and I was the last.
It was so refreshing to speak with Ashley, who is such a passionate artist and business owner. She’s certainly inspired me to think big to achieve your dreams!
Make sure you follow Ashley on:
~ Natasha
